Since the start of the month, prices have gained nearly 6%. And they're up 11% from the start of the year.

In many parts of the United States, including New York City and parts of California, gas prices are already above $4 per gallon.

Part of the recent surge in gas prices is being blamed on stocks. The Dow Jones industrial average (INDU) is up 6% from the start of the year. The S&P 500 (SPX) has gained nearly 8%, and the Nasdaq (COMP) has jumped 13%.

Iran recently cut off exports to France and the United Kingdom in response to sanctions from the United States and the European Union. Also, the Iranians blocked watchdogs from the International Atomic Energy Agency from inspecting a military base in Parchin, creating concerns that there might be nuclear weapons there.